When a brother or sister comes to you genuinely in need, and you have the means to help, telling them, “God will provide,” “I can’t help you, but I’ll pray for you,” while you have what they need, is not character of Christ.

Prayer is powerful, and we should always pray for one another. But sometimes God intends to answer someone’s prayer through us. We should not use spiritual words as an excuse to ignore someone’s genuine need when we are in a position to help.

The Bible says:

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
James 2:15–16

And again:

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9

Jesus Christ also taught us:

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…”
Matthew 25:35

Christianity is not only about saying, “I will pray for you.” It is also about showing the love of Christ through our actions.

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
1 John 3:18

If God has blessed you with the ability to meet someone’s need, don't always tell them to wait for God to provide. Sometimes, you are the provision God has placed in their path.

May our faith be seen not only in our words, but also in our compassion, generosity, and willingness to help.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17